Craft Brew Alliance (CBA) and Anheuser-Busch jointly announced the closing of their expanded partnership agreement first announced last November. Effective September 30th, CBA's diverse portfolio of brands and breweries joined Anheuser-Busch's Brewers Collective, a collection of craft partners committed to providing consumers with innovative, quality beers and investing in their local communities. Kona Brewing's mainland and international operations and regional brands Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Cisco Brewers, Omission Brewing, Redhook Brewery, Square Mile Cider, Widmer Brothers Brewing, and Wynwood Brewing will further strengthen the Brewers Collective portfolio.

"Connecting with consumers through our brands is at the forefront of everything we do," said Michel Doukeris, CEO of Anheuser-Busch. "After a successful partnership that spans more than 25 years, we are excited to now fully welcome CBA into the Anheuser-Busch family and continue to work together to bring more consumers, in more communities, even more choices for every occasion."

Anheuser-Busch will welcome former CBA employees into various functions within the organization, including welcoming top leaders into newly created roles. Andy Thomas, formerly CEO of CBA, will serve as GM of Kona Brewing's mainland operations and regional Brewers Collective brands based in the eastern US. Christine Perich, formerly Chief Financial and Strategy Officer for CBA, will serve as GM of regional breweries on the west coast. Both will report directly to Marcelo "Mika" Michaelis, president, Brewers Collective, Anheuser-Busch.